Effects of mould remediation on school teachers' health.

The follow-up study of the health of teachers (n = 56) of three mould damage schools were done with self-administered symptom questionnaire before and 1 year after the remediation of school buildings. Technical and microbiological investigations were done parallel at the same time. In the beginning of the study symptoms of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis and fatigue were high compared to normal population and 1 year after the intervention a decrease in fatigue (OR = 0.4) and headache (OR = 0.2) was observed. An association between female gender and sinusitis was found before the remediation (OR = 8.1). Age over 40 years was a risk factor for voice problems and more than 10 working years at the same school were associated with increased risk for conjunctivitis (OR = 8.5) and headache (OR = 5.4). Other exposure situations such as mould problems at home and mould exposure during leisure time also have an effect on teachers' health. Significant reduction was found in symptoms of fatigue and headache after the cessation of exposure, while respiratory symptoms need much longer time to relieve after the remediation. Age, female gender, atopy, long-term exposure time and other exposure situations might be the risk factors for prolonged symptoms among mould exposed teachers.